Large contract from France. Heckler & Koch to supply new French assault rifle

28.09.2016

On September 22th 2016 the French Defense Ministry's procurement department, the "Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)", awarded Heckler & Koch a large contract to supply its HK416F as the new standard French assault rifle. After being in service with the French Army for over 30 years, the old "FAMAS" assault rifle is to be succeeded by Heckler & Koch’s modern HK416F as the "Arme Individuelle Future (AIF)".

The decision in favor of the HK416F followed a Europe-wide tendering procedure in which several companies participated with their weapon systems. In addition to Heckler & Koch's HK416F, the Fabrique Nationale's FN SCAR from Belgium, HS Produkt's VHS-2 from Croatia, SIG Sauer's MCX from Germany and Beretta's ARX from Italy all competed. Following over a year of intensive, extensive trials by the French of all the weapons competing, the HK416F stood out as the best weapon system in the competition. The HK416F fulfilled all of the French Armed Forces' requirements for their future assault rifle, without exception, and led the field.

From 2017 onwards members of the Army, Air Force and Navy will be equipped with their new service weapon. The contract calls for the supply of 102,000 HK416F 5.56mm x 45 NATO assault rifles, 10,767 HK269F 40mm x 46 grenade launchers, accessories, ammunition, spares and support services over a period of fifteen years. The HK416 versions HK416F-C with an 11" barrel and HK416F-S with a 14.5" barrel will serve France in future.

This decision and the French trust in Heckler & Koch underline once more our reputation and competence as world-leader and principal manufacturer of small arms and infantry weapons systems for the military, special forces and law enforcement agencies.

The HK416 in various configurations is in service with many special forces around the world. In addition to Norway, France is now introducing the HK416 as the standard assault rifle for its Armed Forces.